Programmable Automated Linear Sitting using an Intelligent Portable Body-Seat Cushion

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a portable, intelligent, ergonomically adjustable body-seat cushion controlled wirelessly via a smartphone or tablet app. Multiple air bladders embedded in the body-seat cushion inflate/deflate at the direction of the app to manipulate the physical position of the user&#39;s neck, back, posterior, legs, and feet in order to: (1) alleviate pressure on the back and sit-bones; (2) lengthen the user from a normal sitting position to a lengthened sitting position; and (3) increase blood flow to the user&#39;s extremities. Positioning algorithms in the app use the user&#39;s anthropometric data (body measurements) and seat measurements (including available space above and in front of the seat) to generate one or more air bladder fill instructions to lengthen the user. The app then wirelessly transmits the positioning instructions as well as optional motion, temperature, and vibration instructions to one or more wireless receivers in the seat cushion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sitting for a prolonged amount of time, especially in uncomfortableseats typically found in economy class airlines seats, creates backdiscomfort and often overall body discomfort. In certain cases, becauseof the lack of proper blood circulation, one can become susceptible toDeep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a potentially life-threateningcondition in which a blood clot forms in one of your body's deep veins,typically in one of your legs. These clots are extremely dangerous. Theycan break off and travel to your lungs, leading to a condition known aspulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms may include: foot, leg, or ankleswelling—usually on one side; cramping pain—usually beginning in thecalf; severe, unexplained pain in the foot or ankle; a patch of skinthat feels warmer to the touch than skin surrounding it; and a patch ofskin that turns pale or turns a reddish or bluish color. Signs of a PEmay include: dizziness; sweating, chest pain that worsens after coughingor deep inhales; rapid breathing; coughing up blood; and rapid heartrate. Symptoms of DVT and PE may not occur for several weeks after aflight.

Sitting for extended periods of time in cramped airplane seats may slowblood circulation and increase the risk of DVT as well as creatingexcessive pressure on the spine. Prolonged inactivity such as sitting inan airplane seat or lying in a hospital bed pose the most risk.

Seated exercises are suggested for long flights such as ankle circles,foot pumps, knee lifts, shoulder rolls, arm curls, lifting your knee toyour chest, bending down to touch your feet/ankles, overhead stretches,shoulder stretching, and neck rolls. When walking around the airplane orseated exercises are not feasible, there exists a need to betterposition the body to minimize the possibility for DVT or PE.

Leg rests, seat cushions, memory foam lumbar support, and neck pillowscan provide minimal comfort but are not customized to the user. Most ofthese products only address one problem at a time (e.g., neckposition/comfort or back position/comfort) and many are of a“one-size-fits-all” design—not customized to the user's unique bodyphysiology.

There are also many simple air bladders that can be used to manuallychange the user's sitting position by inflating or deflating one or moreair bladders.

Many people also try to minimize the discomfort of a long airline flightby: stretching in their seats (where available space is constantlydecreasing to pack more people into an airplane), getting up from theirseat and walking around the airplane (not practical for many people todo and not possible if on a turbulent flight); or stretching at the backof the airplane (again, not practical for many people to do).

In a 2013 article by L. Martins out of the University of Lisbon inCaparica, Portugal, an intelligent chair sensor was disclosed anddeveloped. Pressure distribution sensors in a chair's seat pad andbackrest were used to classify the user's posture. Posture correctionalgorithms were then used to change the pressure in eight pneumaticbladders thus dynamically adjusting the user's position.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,661,928 issued to Lear Corporation discloses a seatcushion with a plurality of sensors to detect the user's seatingposition to detect if the occupant is seated evenly. Seating positiondata is sent to a handheld device to inform the user of an unevenposition. The user is able to manually adjust air bladders via agraphical user interface on the handheld device.

Another problem with vehicles, especially airplanes, is the availablelegroom and space to find a comfortable seating position. Seat pitch,the space between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat infront of it, increases with the class of travel. In economy class, seatpitch averages between 29 and 32 inches (74 to 81 cm), but could be aslow as 28 inches (71 cm). American Airlines' business class seat pitchesin their former Boeing 767-200s were 62 inches (160 cm), the largest inany short-haul business class. American Airlines' first-class flatbedseats in their Airbus A330-300s have a seat pitch of 94 inches (240 cm).

Since the beginning of the 21^(st) century until 2018, average economyclass seat width decreased from 18.5 to 17 inches, and sometimes as lowas 16.1 inches.

Legroom depends upon seat pitch and the thickness of the seat back.Airlines have claimed that a reduction of seat pitch can be compensatedfor by a thinner seat-back design.

U.S. Patent Publication 2018/0305026 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,359,079disclose seats that are staggered vertically and/or forward/backward toprovide the users with additional space that they would not have hadotherwise. Both of these inventions involve a completely new seat.Airplane seats are very costly to replace because they must be certifiedby the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and manufactured accordingto very strict specifications. Economy seats cost between $3,000 and$5,000 per seat, depending on comfort and complexity. Domestic USfirst-class seats cost between $10,000 and $15,000 per seat. Standardinternational business-class and first-class seats cost between $60,000and $300,000 per seat.

US Patent Publication 2015/0351692 filed by Lear Corporation discloses aseat cushion that uses anthropometric and sensor data to determine ifthe user is seated unevenly and uses that data to correct the seatingposition.

There exists a need for an intelligent portable body-seat cushion thatautomatically adjusts a user's position based on the measurements of theseat, measurements of available space, and the anthropometricmeasurements of the user. The seat cushion lengthens and supports theuser's body by utilizing the empty space above the user (below anycompartments above the user) and below the seat in front of thepassenger (“vertical space”). Such a body-seat cushion will help toalleviate pressure on the spine, displace weight from the sit-bones,provide better circulation to prevent health issues such as DVT and PE,and provide maximum available comfort without the need for replacingcostly airline seats. In maximizing available space using an adjustablebody-seat cushion, it is likely that extra head and leg support isneeded.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a portable, intelligent, ergonomicallyadjustable body-seat cushion controlled wirelessly via an application(app) on a phone or tablet. As shown in FIG. 1, multiple air bladdersembedded in the body-seat cushion inflate/deflate at the direction ofthe app to manipulate the physical position of the user's neck, back,posterior, legs, and feet in order to: (1) alleviate pressure on theback and sit-bones; (2) lengthen the user from a normal sitting positionas shown in FIG. 2A to a lengthened sitting position as shown in FIG.2B; and (3) increase blood flow to the user's extremities. Positioningalgorithms in the app use the user's anthropometric data (bodymeasurements) and seat measurements (including available space above andin front of the seat) to generate one or more air bladder fillinstructions to lengthen the user. The app then wirelessly transmits thepositioning instructions as well as optional motion, temperature, andvibration instructions to one or more wireless receivers in the seatcushion which activate: (1) the inflation or deflation of selected airbladders; and (2) motion and vibration mechanisms. The body-seat cushionrolls up similar to a yoga mat for ease of portability.

FIG. 3 shows the process for utilizing the body-seat cushion. First, theuser downloads the body-seat cushion app to a smartphone, tablet,smartwatch, or other Bluetooth-enabled smart device. The app allows theuser to wirelessly control the inflation, movement, temperature,vibration, and other mechanics of the body-seat cushion. Next, the usermanually inputs and/or uses the app to take (via a 3D measurement app orother measuring device) to input various anthropometric measurements ofthe user. Next, in order to acquire seat measurements (includingavailable space measurements), the user: (1) downloads seat measurementsto the app; (2) manually inputs the required measurements; or (3) takesseat measurements (via a 3D measurement app). After the user'santhropometric measurements and the seat-specific measurements arestored, the positioning algorithms in the app wirelessly inflate the airbladders (and adjust other body-seat cushion mechanics) to a predictedideal comfortable position. The user then has the option to furthermanually adjust the air bladders (and other body-seat cushion mechanics)using the app. When the user is satisfied with the comfort/positioningof the body-seat cushion, the inflation, vibration, and motion settingscan be stored for future use. When the user is finished with use of thebody-seat cushion, the app instructs the body-seat cushion to deflateall air bladders and return are body-seat cushion mechanics back totheir original/stowing position. The stored inflation settings (andother mechanical measurements) can be used to re-position the user inthe same seat at a later time or to be used as a starting point for asimilar seat in the future.

The seat cushion may also dynamically manipulate the body so as toincrease blood flow by, for example, moving the legs slightly up anddown via the foot or leg rests, according to a pre-programmed sequence.The seat cushion may also include vibrating sections to improvecirculation and to relax the user, which prevents formation of musclecramps when sitting for a long period of time.

The seat cushion accomplishes the following:

-   -   Eases pain and discomfort often associated with sitting for        extended periods of time whether or not the user is in an        uncomfortable seat, such as those often found in economy seats        on an airplane, train, automobile, or in other situations where        sitting is required in a professional or non-professional        setting;    -   Helps to prevent DVT and PE;    -   Better utilizes available passenger seating space on commercial        transportation by using the vertical space above the passenger        and under the seat in front of the passenger;    -   Distributes the user's weight more evenly along the length of        the body;    -   Assists airlines in allowing the pitch between seats to decrease        further (as a cost-cutting measure) while providing additional        comfort to the passenger using a very light-weight easy to use        and transport solution; and    -   Assists in properly positioning a user's body during physical        therapy often necessary due to either a congenital abnormality,        an injury, or, during post-operation recovery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) are embodiments of thepresent invention In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the invention showingvarious air bladder shapes;

FIG. 2a shows the user's sitting position without the invention;

FIG. 2b shows the user's sitting position with the invention(intelligent portable body-seat cushion not shown);

FIG. 3 shows the process for utilizing the invention;

FIG. 4 shows the main components of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the invention showing the location ofelectrical and mechanical components;

FIG. 6 shows a few anthropometric measurements;

FIG. 7 is a top down view of the air bladder layout for a one embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top down view of the air bladder layout for one embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a side view outline of the invention and the arm rest shapefor one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows various potential sizes and shapes of air bladders thatcan be used for the invention;

FIG. 11a shows an isometric view of the invention;

FIG. 11b shows an isometric view of the invention with the back of thebody-seat cushion raised;

FIG. 12 shows a thin flexible support wireframe around areas of thebody-seat cushion;

FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of the invention with an extended necksupport;

FIG. 14 shows one embodiment of the invention with manually inflatableair bladders;

FIG. 15a shows a subject in an regular sitting position;

FIG. 15b shows a subject raised by simulated seat pan air bladders(pillows);

FIG. 15c shows a subject pushed forward tangential to the lumbar regionby simulated lumbar region air bladders (pillows);

FIG. 15d shows a subject's feet raised by simulated foot/calf rest airbladders (pillows);

FIG. 16 is a graph of experimental data showing position changes (neededto get comfortable) versus seat pan depth.

FIG. 17 is a graph of experimental data showing position changes (neededto get comfortable) versus the subject's height;

FIG. 18 is a graph of experimental data showing position changes (neededto get comfortable) versus the subject's weight;

FIG. 19a shows results of example calculations for a subject in anregular sitting position;

FIG. 19b shows results of example calculations for a subject in a raisedsitting position; and

FIG. 19c shows results of example calculations for a subject in anraised sitting position with subject's feet raised by predicted calfrest air bladders.

The above described drawing Figures illustrate the described apparatusand its method of use in several preferred embodiments, which arefurther defined in detail in the following description. Those havingordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations andmodifications to what is described herein without departing from itsspirit and scope. Therefore, it must be understood that what isillustrated is set forth only for the purposes of example and that itshould not be taken as a limitation in the scope of the presentapparatus and method of use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a portable, intelligent, ergonomicallyadjustable body-seat cushion controlled wirelessly via an application(app) on a phone or tablet. As shown in FIG. 1, multiple air bladdersembedded in the body-seat cushion inflate/deflate at the direction ofthe app to manipulate the physical position of the user's neck, back,posterior, legs, and feet in order to: (1) alleviate pressure on theback and sit-bones; (2) lengthen the user from a normal sitting positionas shown in FIG. 2A to a lengthened sitting position as shown in FIG.2B; and (3) increase blood flow to the user's extremities. Positioningalgorithms in the app use the user's anthropometric data (bodymeasurements) and seat measurements (including available space above andin front of the seat) to generate one or more air bladder fillinstructions to lift, lengthen and/or otherwise adjust the user. The appthen wirelessly transmits the positioning instructions as well asoptional motion and vibration instructions to one or more wirelessreceivers in the seat cushion which activate: (1) the inflation ordeflation of selected air bladders; and (2) motion and vibrationmechanisms. The body-seat cushion rolls up similar to a yoga mat forease of portability.

What is it/how it is Made

As mentioned above and as shown in FIG. 1, multiple air bladders (suchas those made by Perma-Type Rubber or Aero Tec Laboratories) areembedded in the body-seat cushion.

As shown in FIG. 4, an air compressor 403 such as the Boxer 19Kdiaphragm pump provides a source of air to the air bladders 404 in thebody-seat cushion 405. In one embodiment, the diaphragm pump connects toa gang valve (not shown) such as the Pawfly 8-Way Air Flow ControlSplitter to split the airflow into multiple branches—one for each airbladder. An electronically controlled stop valve (not shown) such as theHFS 110v AC Electric Solenoid Valve is placed at each outlet to controlthe airflow to each air bladder. In another embodiment, each air bladderwill have its own diaphragm pump and stop valve. Flexible air tubes suchas CNZ Flexible Airline Tubing connect the diaphragm pump to the gangvalve and the stop valves to the air bladders.

The stop valves are controlled by a controller (such as STMicroelectronics STM32F4) for regulating compressed air into and out ofthe air bladders. Additional memory for the controller (such as theDigi-Key 557-1904-1-ND) may be necessary to store and process pressuremeasurement data.

The controller wirelessly receives the adjustment settings from the appusing the app interface on a smartphone/tablet 401. Wireless control ofthe device by the app is achieved with Bluetooth Low Energy (using aWiFi chip 402 such as a Murata Type 1PJ), an ad-hoc wireless network, orsimilar technology.

The body-seat cushion has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can becharged via USB. The USB jack (such as the Amphenol USB Type C 3.1Connector) located on the body-seat cushion, charges a lithium-ionbattery (such as the RS Pro 18650 26H Li-ion Battery Pack) using alithium-ion battery charger (such as the Analog Devices LTC 4053-4.2).Alternatively, one can simply plug-in the USB cable to a USB adapterplugged into an electronic source, or directly into a USB enabledelectronic source often found in most commercial airline seats. Aminiature on/off switch (such as the Hongkong Rtl Industrial LimitedMiniature Horizontal Slide Switch) for the body-seat cushion allowsbattery conservation while not in use. A status LED (such as theKingbright Right Angle SMD Chip LED Lamp) allows the user to see whenthe body-seat cushion is on, off, or pairing via Bluetooth.

The body-seat cushion outer shell can be made of a material such asOttertex Marine Vinyl or Sensation Upholstery Hide.

As shown in FIG. 5, all hardware and electronics may be housed under thebody-seat cushion behind the leg rest area.

Process

FIG. 3 shows the process for utilizing the body-seat cushion. First, theuser downloads the body-seat cushion app to a smartphone, tablet,smartwatch, or other Bluetooth-enabled smart device. The app allows theuser to wirelessly control the inflation, movement, vibration, and othermechanics of the body-seat cushion.

Next, the user uses the app to take (via a 3D measurement app) ormanually input various anthropometric measurements of the user. Theuser's anthropometric measurements include, but are not limited to:height; weight; length of hip to knee; length of knee to foot; shoesize; length of shoulder to elbow; length of elbow to hand; length ofneck to waist; width of user from shoulder to shoulder (or bicep tobicep, whatever is greater); when sitting up-right, horizontal distancefrom the user's back to the most furthest point of the user's knee; whensitting up-right, distance from the bottom of the thigh to the top ofthe shoulders and top of the head; calf thickness. Some of thesemeasurements are shown in FIG. 6.

Many anthropomorphic measurements may be required to achieve acomfortable seating position. Smartphones have just recently become ableto take 3D body measurements with apps such as Nettelo, 3DSizeMe, anditSeez3D. These apps could be integrated into body-seat cushion app orused externally with the body measurements being able to be exported ordownloaded from the 3D measurement app and uploaded into the body-seatcushion app.

Next, in order to acquire seat measurements (including available spacemeasurements), the user: (1) downloads seat measurements to the app; (2)manually inputs the required measurements; or (3) takes seatmeasurements (via a measurement app).

Seat measurements include seat length/height/width, headrestposition/size, the available vertical space between the top of the seatcushions/headrest and the ceiling or the bottom of the overhead bin, inthe case of an airplane, and other measurements such as those found onCornell University's Ergonomic Website on Sitting and Chair Design.

If using an airplane seat database, the user needs to input the airline,airplane model, class, and seat number. Alternatively, the airlines mayprovide a link to your pre-assigned seat's data. If using a car seatdatabase, the user needs to input the make, model, year, and startingseat position. If using a train seat database, the user needs to inputtrain station, train line, and seating class, seating location, or typeof seat. To date, the applicant is not aware of any commerciallyavailable database including seat measurements or available spacemeasurements of seats found on commercial transportation such as trains,subways, buses or airplanes.

In one embodiment, seat measurements can be made through a 3Dmeasurement app such as such as Measurement 3D-Plumb-bob, Measure 3D ProAR Ruler, Nettelo, and itSeez3D. These apps could be integrated into thebody-seat cushion app or used externally with the seat measurements tobe exported or downloaded from the 3D measurement app and subsequentlyintegrated into the body-seat cushion app.

Seat measurements can be acquired from a seat measurement database(storing seat measurements, for example, for a seat in Rows 50-88 in theEconomy section of a United Airlines Boeing 777-200) accessed within theseat cushion app itself. Alternatively, seat measurements can also beacquired via a measuring app similar to Google AR Measure.Alternatively, seat measurements can be simply inputted manually intothe seat cushion app.

After the user's anthropometric measurements and the seat-specificmeasurements are stored, positioning algorithms in the app wirelesslyinflate the air bladders (and adjust other body-seat cushion mechanics)to a predicted comfortable position.

Highly correlated trendlines (trendlines with high R-squared values) inthe experimental data (discussed later) are used to create bodypositioning algorithms in the app. The positioning algorithms use theuser's anthropometric data and seat data (including available space) toautomatically adjust the seat bladders so that the user is positionedinto a comfortable, lengthened position as shown in FIG. 2B.

The user wirelessly transmits the calculated ideal linear seatingposition from the app to the body-seat cushion controller.

FIG. 7 is an air bladder layout diagram for one embodiment of theinvention. First, seat pan air bladder FIG. 7, 3A lifts the user upwithin the available vertical space. Then, to compensate for lifting theuser at an angle and to stabilize the user, at the same time (or nearthe same time), footrest and leg rest air bladders 5A, 5B, and 4Binflate. Next, the user is pushed forward by air bladder 2C to get theuser into a lengthened position. Neck rest air bladder 1 is theninflated to stabilize the user's head. The remaining seat cushion airbladders 3B, 3C and back air bladders 2B, 2A are inflated to level outand stabilize the user. Finally, armrest air bladder 6A, 6B areinflated.

In one embodiment, after the instructions are received by the wirelessreceiver, a microprocessor/controller can be used to incorporate seatsensor or other local data for real-time seat adjustments. An example ofa real-time seat adjustment is auto-inflation under the user's rightposterior when the user leans to the left. Piezoresistive pressuresensors (such as the Fujikura AG203-001MG) or pneumatic pressure sensorscan be used to measure the pressure in each air bladder.

Then the user has the option to manually adjust the air bladders (andother body-seat cushion mechanics) using the app.

The user always has the option to manually control or adjust the airbladders and other seat cushion mechanics. Adjustments (discussed indetail below) made by the app/bladder system include, but are notlimited to, lumbar support, leg compression, leg motion, neck support,foot support, foot/ankle motion, arm support, vibration, as well asother ergonomically enhancing inflatable adjustments to be used on seatssuch as airline seats to alleviate pressure on the spine and sit bonesas well as improve circulation

In one embodiment, the body-seat cushion dynamically manipulates thebody so as to keep the user's blood flowing to extremities in order toimprove circulation and prevent DVT and PE. Footrest air bladders FIG.7, 5A, 5B and FIG. 8, 5A, 5B can repeatedly move the user's legs up anddown according to a pre-programmed sequence applied in the app.

In one embodiment, the seat cushion may also include vibrating sectionsto relax the user and improve circulation, thus preventing muscle crampswhen stationary for a long period of time. Vibration can be producedwith a DMiotech DC 3V 6800 RPM 2 Pin Magnetic Vibrating Motor for CarSeat Massagers and controlled via the app.

In one embodiment, calf compression can be performed by sandwiching eachof the user's calves (and optionally, ankles) between the leg rest airbladder FIG. 1, 4A and an upper leg rest air bladder 4B that inflate anddeflate towards each other in a pulsing motion. Compression iscontrolled via the app.

In another embodiment, calf compression is accomplished using detachableor interchangeable leg air bladder sleeves (one for each leg) FIG. 8,9A, 9B that attach to the air supply of the body seat cushion using anexternal air port (not shown).

Compression provides substantial protection against DVT, PE and/orreducing swelling in those in danger of getting blood clots. Even gentlecompression can aid in moving blood up the leg allowing the blood toflow more freely from the legs up to the heart, improving overall bloodflow and circulation. According to a 2008 study by A. Sachdeva entitled“Graduated compression stockings for prevention of deep veinthrombosis,” compiling data from 20 trials and 1,681 patients who hadprolonged immobilization in the hospital after an operation, compressionwas proven to have aided in the prevention of developing DVT. In anotherstudy from 2016 by MJ. Clarke, entitled, “Compression stockings forpreventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers,” specificallyexamining the use of compression socks on airline flights longer thanfour hours in length, it was found that the use of compressionsignificantly reduced the risk of developing symptomless DVT.

When the user is satisfied with the comfort/positioning of the body-seatcushion, the inflation, vibration, and motion settings can be stored forfuture re-use. The stored inflation settings (and other mechanicalmeasurements) can be used to re-position the user in the same seat at alater time.

For example, air volume used for each air bladder and app settings(vibration/motion instructions) can be stored. Alternatively, positionchanges such as a vertical seat height change of 2 inches or a lumbarhorizontal change of 6 inches can be stored.

In one embodiment, pressure sensor data is used to re-inflate the airbladders.

The body-seat cushion app is able to recognize like seats to give likeseat positioning predictions. For example, an economy class airplaneseat on an international American Airlines flight will likely have verysimilar seats to an economy class airplane seat on an Air Italiainternational flight. The seats will likely have the same or verysimilar seat pan height and seat pitch. The app can apply storedAmerican Airlines international flight economy class seat settings to aneconomy class seat on an Air Italia flight.

The body-seat cushion is designed to be portable/collapsible (easy toroll-up, similar to a yoga mat) so that it can easily be transported andused on various seats in various locations. When the user is finishedwith use of the body-seat cushion, the app instructs the body-seatcushion to deflate all air bladders and return the body-seat cushionmechanics back to their original/stowing position.

Elbows naturally lay slightly away from the body when standing orsitting. Because the body-seat cushion puts the user into a slightlymore vertical position, body-seat cushion armrests as shown in FIG. 7,6A/6B and FIG. 8, 11A/B extend slightly horizontal. As shown in FIG. 9,armrests may be necessary on the body-seat cushion because the user willprobably be raised up to the point that the underlying chair's armrestswill be useless as armrests.

In one embodiment the body-seat cushion has inflatable armrests that canexpand upwards from the seat pan area or outwards from the seat back(FIG. 9), Varying arm rest height levels would provide additionalcomfort for the user and allow the neighboring person greater access tothe shared armrest.

Options

The bladders may be filled with air, gel, or other liquid or acombination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 10, differently shaped and sized air bladders can beused in the body-seat cushion to maximize comfort of and/or efficientlymove the user into the desired lengthened position.

Changes in temperature, barometric pressure and altitude will causeslight pressure changes to occur in the inflated bladder. A safetycut-off feature such as a pressure release valve prevents over-inflationof the air-bladders within the body-seat cushion. Alternatively, thecontroller can detect and prevent over-inflation of the air bladdersutilizing the pressure sensors located at the outlet valve of each airbladder.

In another embodiment, extending or telescoping rods (like an extendingrod found in a presentation pointer) on each side of the body-seatcushion can be used to extend the length of the back cushion, neckcushion, or the leg cushion to provide additional structural support.Extending/telescoping rods along the length of the body-seat cushion canalso help to support the user's leg weight. The extending/telescopingrods can be wirelessly controlled by the app. FIGS. 11A and 11B show theback cushion not extended and extended.

Boston Valves can be used for quick deflation.

In one embodiment, a wireframe support system is used in certain partsof the body-seat cushion to enhance stability of the body-seat cushionon the underlying seat. The wireframe is made from a lightweight,flexible material such as vinyl, silicon or PVC tubing that allowsrepeated rolling and unrolling of the body-seat cushion fortransportation and storage. Example of this type of tubing would beDernord PVC Tubing ¼″ID×⅜″OD Flexible Clear Vinyl Hose or PharmaFluor®T1500 Tubing. The wireframe can also be split into multiple sections tofurther allow ease in rolling and unrolling of the body-seat cushion. Asshown in FIG. 12, a wireframe section may be placed around the upperback portion of the body-seat cushion, at the sides of the body-seatcushion, at the intersection of the back and seat pan sections, and inthe foot cushion region.

In one embodiment, piezoelectric fans are used to inflate the airbladders. The app sends on/off instructions to wireless receivers in thebody-seat cushion.

The added height of the adjusted seat pan air bladders may necessitateadditional neck support than that already provided by a seat, especiallyfor taller users. Neck support can be provided as part of the seat-backcushion (FIG. 7, 2A) or as an extension from the seat-back cushion asshown in FIG. 13. Neck positioned air bladders can hug the neck oneither side of the spine (cervical vertebrae C1-C7). The neck airbladders can extend vertically, slightly lengthening/straightening thespine. Various air bladder shapes and sizes can be used as shown in FIG.10 to better accommodate the neck.

In another embodiment footrest air bladder pillars shown in FIG. 1,5A/5B or a footrest air bladder block will extrude from the bottom ofthe body-seat cushion and drop to the floor and fill with air. Theheight of the footrest(s) will depend on the user's height, shoe sizeand available space. If the footrest air bladders are not being used,Velcro can be used to secure the loose uninflated air bladders to thebody-seat cushion outer shell. Various air bladder shapes and sizes canbe used as shown in FIG. 10.

The body-seat cushion also can be used as a full body massager by layingthe body-seat cushion flat on the ground. Small air bladders along thespine can then pulse on/off to a rhythm delivered by the app.

In another embodiment, the air bladders can be interchangeable so thatthe body-seat cushion can serve different purposes such as massaging forrelaxation, comforting for long term work or gaming, or therapeutic ormedical purposes. Interchangeable bladders could be swapped by unzippingthe outer shell of the body-seat cushion and detaching and reattachingthe air bladders.

In one embodiment, the air bladders can all be or selectively bemanually inflated by a pinch valve which allows air into the cushionwithout leaking back out when the user pauses to take another inhalationof breath. Each AB should not require more than 4 exhalations of air tofill up. To deflate the manual air bladders, the user pinches the pinchvalve at the blow hole to allow air to escape. In an alternateembodiment, a foot pump such as the Texsport Deluxe High Volume BellowsFoot Air Pump or a hand pump such as the ICOCOPRO Mini Bike Pump canalso be used. In either case, the app can be used to instruct the userto fill each air bladder with a certain number of breaths or for acertain amount of time. This is highly variable as different people havedifferent lung capacities, blow strengths, etc. FIG. 14 shows the airbladder layout for the manual inflation embodiment. The black dotsrepresent the air-intake pinch valves located at the neck air bladder1401, the upper seatback air bladders 1402, lower seatback airbladders1403 (right-angled trapezoid that lays in front of upper seat bladder1402), left and right arm rest air bladders 1404), sit-bones airbladders 1405 (right-angled trapezoid that lays on top of rectangularair bladder 1406, calves air bladders 1407, and foot rest air bladders1408.

In an alternate embodiment, a small external air compressor such as theYTA Portable Air Compressor can also be used. Because this type of aircompressor also comprises a pressure sensor, the user can pre-set acertain desired pressure as suggested by the app.

Heating and cooling elements can optionally be added to the seatcushion. Heat therapy has long been used to ease a wide variety ofaches, pains, and maladies. Applying heat to the affected areaencourages better blood flow and alleviates the symptoms associated withpoor circulation. Ice or heat packs may be inserted into the body-seatcushion sleeves. Alternatively, each air bladder can be filled with hotor cold air.

The body-seat cushion can also adjust the user's position based on thepositions of neighboring broadcasting body-seat cushions. The app can beused to get the body-seat cushion data (position, user size) from seatneighbors. This data can be broadcast wirelessly over Bluetooth or RFID.This data can be used to horizontally and vertically stagger seatneighbors so that one user can fill voids made by another user'sbody-seat cushion adjustments. Armrests can also be staggered.Alternatively, armrests can have a lounge chair mechanism so that whenthe front part of the arm rest is lifted, the back part (attached to thebody-seat cushion back) is able to be placed in different lockingpositions to allow comfort for neighboring passengers.

Experimental Data

Preliminary experimental data to test the invention was collected using3 human subjects and 2 different chairs. FIG. 15A shows a subject in aregular sitting position. FIG. 15B shows simulated seat pan air bladders(pillows) to raise the subject. FIG. 15C shows simulated lumbar regionair bladders (pillows) pushing tangential to the lumbar region, movingthe pelvic floor forward. FIG. 15D shows simulated foot/calf rest airbladders (pillows) to support the feet/legs and lengthen the subject.

The subject's measurements are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Subject 1 Subject 2 Subject 3 Hip to knee length 20 in 19 in 19in Knee to heal 20.5 in 17 in 19 in Sit bone to Sit bone 7 in 7.5 in 8in Sit bone to top of head 36 in 25 in 26 in Sit bone to shoulder 24 in17.5 in 17 in Height 71 in 62 in 65 in Weight 168 lbs 185 lbs 128 lbs

Chair measurements are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Chair 1 Chair 2 Seat Pan Width 14 in   15 in Seat Pan Depth 16in   13 in Seat Height off Ground 16 in 17.5 in

Table 3 shows adjustments made to make the subject comfortable whileutilizing vertical space and the space under the seat in front.

TABLE 3 Chair 1 Air Bladder Comfort Adjustment Subject 1 Subject 2 6B &6C  3.5 in   4 in to lift up 2A & 2B  2.5 in   8 in to slide forward2C-2F  1.5 in 1.5 in to straighten back 5A & 5B  3.5 in 3.5 in tostabilize feet 4A & 4B 0.75 in   9 in to support leg

TABLE 4 Chair 2 Air Bladder Comfort Adjustment Subject 1 Subject 2 6B &6C  3.5 in   5 in to lift up 2A & 2B   4 in 3.5 in to slide forward2C-2F  2.5 in 1.5 in to straighten back 5A & 5B  3.5 in 4.5 in tostabilize feet 4A & 4B 0.75 in to support leg

In order to put the subject in a comfortable position, the subject wasfirst lifted up on cushions (to simulate using vertical space—the emptyspace between the subject's head and the overhead compartment on anairplane) so that the subject could lean back, straighten out(lengthen), and slide forward. In the preliminary data shown in Table 3and Table 4, measurements 6B and 6C (referring to air bladders 6B and 6Cas shown in FIG. 8) show that the subject was lifted up by 3 to 5inches. After lifting up, the subject was able to lean back, straightenout, and slide forward with the aid of footrest/cushions to maintain alengthened or linear-type body position, such as that found in the typeof first-class seats which recline into an almost flat bed. Because thesubject slid forward, the subject then had less support from the seatcushion under their thighs and thus needed leg and/or foot support.

FIG. 16 is a graph of position changes (needed to get comfortable)versus seat pan depth. FIG. 16 shows that the seat pan depth (and seatheight—not shown) effects how much a subject must slide forward andstraighten. The larger the seat pan depth the less the subject needs tomake those adjustments. As more weight is taken off the sit bones, theless adjustment needs to be made to make the subject comfortable. Withseat pan depth, more weight is transferred to more of the length of thesubject's upper legs. The limited test data also seems to suggest thatonly simple leg and feet supports may be needed and may not need to beadjustable.

FIG. 17 is a graph of position changes (needed to get comfortable)versus the subject's height. FIG. 17 seems to suggest that the shorterthe subject is, the further they can move forward, and the morecomfortable they can get in the available space. The limited test dataagain also seems to suggest that only simple leg and feet supports maybe needed and may not need to be adjustable.

FIG. 18 is a graph of position changes (needed to get comfortable)versus the subject's weight. FIG. 18 seems to suggest that the more asubject weighs, the more they need to distribute weight away from thesit bones and through their back by straightening into a linear-likesitting position.

Experimental data guides the algorithms used to position the user.Highly correlated trendlines (trendlines with high R-squared values)shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. t a

By way of example, raising Subject 1 (from Table 1 above) by 5″ on a17.5″ high seat rotates the subject's 20″ thighs at the hip such thatthe knees gain an additional 0.6″ of horizontal space (rotating legs atthe hip moves the knees back towards the seatback by 0.5″). This putsthe subject's thighs at a 14.5° angle to the floor (or a 75° angletowards the floor). The extra 0.6″ of horizontal space provided to thelegs gives a 6.6″ of available horizontal space 3″ down from theknee/hip height—a height where, if rotated enough, the legs would hitthe bottom of the seat in front of the user. This height provides themaximum rotation of the legs under the seat in front of the user. The6.6″ of available space enables the user to rotate his legs to a 65.5°angle taking up 18.7″ of horizontal space from the user's standardsitting position to an extended linear sitting position (as long asthere is 18.7″ of available space under the chair in front of the user)and rest his legs on an 11.5″ air bladder. (This does not account forfoot size under the. The 65.5° angle enables the user's weight to betransferred more to the user's legs.

Measurements not taken for the test data (relating to Tables 3-4, FIG.16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18) that would be useful include: in a seatedposition, distance from the user's back to the furthest most point ofthe user's knee; calf thickness when lying down; shoe size; in a seatedposition, distance from the bottom of the thigh to top of the shoulders.

Uses/Other Uses

Airline seat manufacturing trends toward producing airline seats thatare much thinner all around, thus becoming even more uncomfortable andincreasing the need for passenger comfort. Airlines can also benefitfrom the same technology as used in the body-seat cushion as airbladders can also be built into airline seats. The technology can allowairlines to further decrease pitch between seats (as a cost-cuttingmeasure). Further, while waiting for a flight, or via the airlinewebsite, the passenger can send measurements and/or answer questionsregarding their own specific anthropometric measurements. The seatcushion algorithms can then automatically be sent to the body-seatcushion for the specifically assigned airline seat even before boardingthe plane. In addition, the airlines can have their own measurementmechanism used near the boarding gate to send data directly to apassenger's seat prior to boarding.

The seat cushion app/algorithm technology can also be used in headpillows, body pillows, neck pillows, shoes, gloves, clothing or anyother product in contact with a user's body.

The body-seat cushion can also be used to adjust the user's positionwhile lying down on top of it. The body-seat cushion can also be used intherapeutic or healthcare related settings as well, where a patient'sbody needs to be adjusted slightly for either comfort, physical therapyor rehabilitation strengthening.

It is anticipated that there will soon be a wide release of specialvirtual reality or augmented reality glasses/goggles by Oculus, Apple,Google and others. Such devices will likely allow the user to eliminatetheir use of traditional computer monitors by allowing the user to viewthe equivalent of several large virtual computer screens at once—thusmaking comfortable seating for a potential prolonged period of time anecessity.

These Virtual Visual Headsets (VVH) will connect to either a PC/Laptopor smart device such as a phone or tablet to increase screen size(within the goggles) as well as enhance user experience with certainsoftware programs or games. As VVHs become more mainstream, more peopleare likely to spend much more time ensconced in their viewing experiencein a somewhat stationary seated position, whether it be while playing avideo game or doing their work with huge (virtual) screens akin to anairplane cockpit's viewing experience. This could easily lead to userswearing a VVH while sitting in a chair for 5-10 hours at a time orlonger without getting up to take a break, or even moving that much intheir seats.

As studies have shown, prolonged sitting can cause circulatory problemsand in certain instances lead to blood clotting issues such as DVT or aPE. Thus, the concern for a comfortable chair with a seat/body cushionthat would allow the user to not only be comfortable but to havefeatures that would help prevent DVT or other circulatory problems willbecome a necessity. The present invention will address these needs whileallowing the user to use their available seating. The present inventioncan also be incorporated into a sitting device designed specifically forusing VVHs.

Martina Tierney, an occupational therapist and Clinical Director atSeating Matters (https://www.seatingmatters.com) provides information onthe Seating Matters Online Academy on YouTube that is approved by theRoyal College of Occupational Therapy. The information includes thefollowing:

Pelvic positioning is extremely important to correct and healthysitting. Commonly found incorrect or unhealthy sitting patterns include:

1. Sitting with a posterior pelvic tilt (sacral sitting)—sitting in ahunched over position with the lower back a few inches away from theback of a chair while the upper body leans forward creating C-shapedprofile. This can create a pressure risk to the vertebra in the middleof the back and to the pelvis and lead to kyphosis—a forward rounding ofthe back. Sitting for a prolonged period of time in this posture canalso lead to sacral, spine, and heel pressure ulcers. Causes ofposterior pelvic tilt include: seat depth too long; seat to floor heighttoo high; footplates too low; and arm rest too low.

2. Sitting with an anterior pelvic tilt—sitting with the pelvic regionjutting outward like a tail. This incorrect sitting posture over timecan lead to spinal muscle fatigue, potential bladder issues as pressureis constantly being exerted in this area, as well as other vertebraecompression injuries and general lower back pain and/or Lordosis.Anterior pelvic tilt is usually caused by a slope seat depth too long;seat to floor height too high; footplates too low; and arm rest too low.

3. Sitting in a pelvic obliquity position (leaning)—sitting with oneside of the pelvis is higher than the other. This may be caused by orlead to scoliosis. This is often caused by or further enhanced by: achair with no sold base of support (a saggy seat cushion); arm supportis either too low or too high; or a seat that does not support femursand feet.

4. Sitting in a pelvic rotation position—sitting with one side of thepelvis a little more forward than the other side. This usually occurswhen the trunk of the body is not supported enough, the pelvis is notsupported properly or the seat width is too wide.

The present invention can address each of the seat issues associatedwith the preceding poor seating conditions. If the seat depth too long,the body seat cushion can push the user forward—off the seat. If theseat floor is too high or the footplates are too low, the body seatcushion can elevate the foot rests. If the arm rests are too low, thebody seat cushion can elevate or provide extra inflation to attachedarmrests. If the chair cushion is too saggy, the body seat cushions canbe hyper inflated. a chair with no sold base of support (a saggy seatcushion). If the arm support too high, the body-seat cushion can raisethe user up. If the seat does not provide support in the leg area, thebody-seat cushion's a footrest or air bladders in the leg area can beinflated.

We hereby claim:
 1. An apparatus for positioning a user on a seat, theapparatus comprising: a plurality of air bladders; a memory for storingthe one or more user measurements and one or more seat measurements; aprocessor configured to determine inflation instructions for at leastone of the plurality of air bladders based on at least one of the one ormore user measurements and at least one of the one or more seatmeasurements; and a valve to receive air from an inflation device, theinflation device configured to inflate at least one of the plurality ofair bladders based on the inflation instructions.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the user comprises a leg area, a pelvic area, andwherein at least one of the plurality of air bladders do one or more of:at least partially vertically lifts the user; at least partiallyhorizontally shifts the user forward; at least partially supports theleg area; and at least partially tilts the pelvic area.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the inflation instructions include for one or moreof the plurality of air bladders at least one of: an air pressure; avolume of air; and an air bladder height.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising of a wireless receiver configured to receive theinflation instructions; and a wireless transmitter configured totransmit apparatus data, wherein the apparatus data comprises one ormore of air bladder sensor data and position data.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the inflation instructions put the user in a lengthenedposition.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to determine one or more of vibration instructions and motioninstructions.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflation deviceis one of: a diaphragm pump; an air compressor; a hand pump; a bikepump; a person; and one or more piezoelectric fans.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising one or more of: one or more heating elementsand one or more cooling elements; one or more calf compression airbladders; a wireframe support system; and one or more telescoping rods.9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality ofair bladders comprises a pressure sensor.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising one or more of: a pinch valve; and a gang valve and aplurality of stop valves.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one ormore of the user measurements and the seat measurements are one or moreof: acquired from a 3D measurement application; manually input into amobile application; downloaded from an external seat measurementdatabase.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflationinstructions are further based on neighbor data.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determinewhether to apply the inflation instructions to a second seat based atleast one or more of the one or more seat measurements and at least oneor more second seat measurements.
 14. An apparatus for positioning auser on a seat, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of air bladders; aprocessor configured to determine inflation instructions for at leastone of the plurality of air bladders based on one or more usermeasurements and one or more seat measurements; and a valve to receiveair from an inflation device, the inflation device configured to inflateat least one of the plurality of air bladders based on the inflationinstructions.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the user comprisesa leg area, a pelvic area, and wherein at least one of the plurality ofair bladders do one or more of: at least partially vertically lifts theuser; at least partially horizontally shifts the user forward; at leastpartially supports the leg area; and at least partially tilts the pelvicarea.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the inflation instructionsinclude for one or more of the plurality of air bladders at least oneof: an air pressure; a volume of air; and an air bladder height.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 14, further comprising of a wireless receiverconfigured to receive the inflation instructions; and a wirelesstransmitter configured to transmit apparatus data, wherein the apparatusdata comprises one or more of air bladder sensor data and position data.18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to determine one or more of vibration instructions and motioninstructions.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein at least one of theplurality of air bladders comprises a pressure sensor.
 20. The apparatusof claim 14, wherein one or more of the user measurements and the seatmeasurements are one or more of: acquired from a 3D measurementapplication; manually input into a mobile application; downloaded froman external seat measurement database.